Tartuffe

Diego Matamoros, Oliver Dennis & Raquel Duffy. Photo by Cylla von Tiedemann.

Nothing is as dangerous to society as the hypocrite, otherwise known as a wolf in sheep's clothing, or "Tartuffe," after Molière's famous comedy. Tartuffe premiered in 1664 at the Palace of Versailles much to the delight of King Louis XIV, but the play's obvious attack on the Catholic Church (the title character is a shameless conman claiming to be pious) ruffled religious feathers, and the play was subsequently banned by the Archbishop of Paris.

Now, 350 years later, it's easy to see why the satire caused such an outrage. Controversial even by today's standards, Tartuffe is still relevant, and hysterically funny, as proved by Soulpepper's current production. Directed by László Marton, this new adaptation boasts a solid cast of stage veterans alongside a few younger faces.

Oliver Dennis stars as Orgon, head of the household duped by the coniving Tartuffe (played by a deliciously evil Diego Matamoros), who not-so-secretly schemes to bed Orgon's wife Elmire (Raquel Duffy) and make off with the family inheritance. Orgon is completely enamoured by his righteous guest despite warnings from his brother-in-law Cleante (Gregory Prest), his daughter Mariane (Katherine Gauthier), and the opinionated maid, Dorine (a hilarious Oyin Oladejo)—everyone except Orgon's stubborn mother despites the rotten Tartuffe. But by the time Orgon realizes he's been had, the damage is done and Tartuffe threatens to destroy everything the family holds dear.

Featuring a functional set by Lorenzo Savoini, elegant costumes by Victoria Wallace, effective lighting by Kevin Lamotte and evocative sound design by Richard Feren, the production is stripped down to the basics, but Richard Wilbur's English verse is rich with meaning and beautifully performed by the committed ensemble. The scene where Dorine tries to talk sense into the distraught lovers Mariane and Valère after Orgon offers Mariane's hand to the repulsive Tartuffe is brilliantly timed, as well as the scene where Orgon hides under a table while Tartuffe attempts to seduce Elmire right under his nose.

Genuinely clever and amusing, this version of Tartuffe is the real deal. Don't miss it.

Tartuffe runs until September 20 at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. Visit soulpepper.ca for more information and to buy tickets.

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